County works on funding

Wes Hooper, interim co-county manager, said the county tried to secure federal money for the project last year from the United States Department of Transportation (DOT).

Wes Hooper, Eddy County interim co-county manager, said the county is reaching out to business and industry for funds for a possible overpass at New Mexico State Road 31 and United States Highway 285.(Photo: Mike Smith-Current-Argus)

Hooper said the county submitted a Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant to get the planning portion of the project completed.

Hooper said county did not receive the requested $3.5 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

“We had a debriefing and they basically stated that there was no changes needed to the grant, that the (U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao) decided that there was not going to be any planning money, they were just going to award shovel-ready projects,” Hooper said.

Strong said the planning phase will cost around $1.6 million and the county has reached out to local industries and businesses for support on the project.

“We’ve spoken with quite a few businesses and area industry leaders who have expressed major interest and support for this project. Now we just need to reach our community wide goal of $1.6 million by the deadline of July 1.”

Strong said the contributions allow the necessary planning to achieve federal grant candidacy.

Jeri Strong, Eddy County public information officer and oil and gas liaison, looks over goals and objectives for future growth of the City of Carlsbad March 28 during a public meeting.(Photo: Mike Smith-Current-Argus)

“Leveraging future funding to construct a safer, bigger intersection by 2023. We’ve had several meetings with the Permian Strategic Partnership (PSP) and they’ve been very responsive, and they are working things through their process and we’re excited to see what’s going on with that," she said.

“The community support throughout Eddy County has been encouraging and exciting. It’s exciting to see the community come together for something that is so desperately needed.”

Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway said the City is on board with Eddy County and the Village of Loving in supporting the work.

“This is one the most dangerous and well-traveled intersections in the state, and we certainly support continued partnerships with Eddy County and our neighboring communities to improve the safety of our residents and workforce,” Janway said.

“We especially appreciate our legislative delegation and the New Mexico Department Transportation for making this a priority.”

CLOSE

Danger for drivers on U.S. Highway 285 in southern Eddy County and west Texas continues to grow as more vehicles go on the road. In response, law enforcement from both states worked together to increase police presence.
Wochit

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.